During their regularly scheduled meeting Monday, Jan. 13, the Bremen Board of Education approved a calendar for the 2013-2014 school year.

The board did try something new this year while determining which calendar to approve; they allowed students, parents and staff to vote on which calendar they would prefer.

“This is the first time we’ve done something like this since I’ve been here,” said Bremen Schools Superintendent Dr. David Hicks. “It seemed to go over really well, and people seemed to appreciate us asking for their input.”

Voters had three options to choose from. Option 1 had a start date of Aug. 9 and allowed for no fall or winter break. Option 2 had a start date of Aug. 2 and allowed a full week for a fall break in October but did not allow for a winter break in February. Option 3 had a start date of Aug. 7 and had a two-day fall break in October and a three-day winter break in February. All calendars allowed for a Christmas and spring break.

Of the 397 people who voted, 58 percent preferred Option 3. The board preferred this choice as well.

“We felt very strongly that we needed to finish the first semester and End of Course Tests before Christmas break, so we approved Option 3,” Hicks said. “We felt this was the best instructional decision for our kids.”

In other business, the board approved a measure to continue to act at Haralson Family Connection Coalition’s fiscal agent. HFCC Director Jim Winchester expressed his thanks for the boards continued support.

The board also passed three amendments to the Student Code of Conduct. One amendment addressed Spandex in the dress code. Another amendment allows high school students who have an A average in a class and have missed no more than three days of school to be exempt from taking the final in that class. The last amendment removed the punishment of in-school suspension for students who have cell phones out when they aren’t supposed to be using them.

“We felt there were better ways to discipline that act without them missing class,” Hicks said.

The board also accepted the retirement of Bremen High School Head Football Coach Ricky Tolleson and appointed Scott Hodges as his replacement.

“We’re very excited and happy for Coach Tolleson,” Hicks said. “He’s taught for 35 years, and we appreciate all his hard work over the years. And we look forward to Mr. Hodges taking over as head coach. He’s an excellent teacher and we look forward to him continuing with us as a history teacher and now as our head football coach.”

The next Bremen Board of Education meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 11.